Whether you are buying your first home or looking to move home, our mortgage experts will carry out an impartial mortgage review to determine the most suitable mortgage solution for your individual circumstances.

 

Based on our discussions with you, we will research the mortgage market to find you the most suitable lender.

 

As a First-time buyer may wish to borrow up to 95% of the value of your new home or you may prefer to use the governments Help to Buy scheme.

 

If you already own your own home and are looking to move you may wish to raise more money, get a better rate or change the type of mortgage you have (changing from their existing lender's standard variable rate to a new fixed rate mortgage). 

 

Our team of dedicated, impartial mortgage experts work on your behalf to find the mortgage that meets your individual mortgage demands and needs.

 

Fill in our form opposite and one of our team will contact you.

 

Understanding what happens

 

How much you can afford to borrow?

 

Talk to us about the first steps. We’ll look at your income and the deposit you have available to find out how much you can borrow.

 

Choose your mortgage?

 

Based on our discussions we will talk to you about the various mortgage options available to you.  You may be concerned over future rises in interest rates and wish to consider fixing the interest rate for a number of years.  Most customers look to fix their mortgage interest rate for between 2 and 5 years.

 

Get a mortgage in principle?

We will have made an accurate assessment of your personal circumstances and matched your mortgage requirements to the most suitable lender. 

 

The next stage is to formally approach the lender to obtain a decision in principle.  This basically means that based on the information provided they are able to provisionally say that they are happy to consider your application.  In effect, they have given a decision in principle. 

 

Most estate agents want to see this decision before any offer that you make to buy your new home is accepted.  It puts you in the driving seat and demonstrates that you are already progressing through the mortgage process.

 

Where do you want to live?

The area and house prices will be a factor in deciding where you would like to live and whether you can afford to live there.

 

You should draw up a wish list of ideal characteristics of the area where you would like to live, including:-

​​

• Public transport links

  • Is there a nearby train or a bus stop?

• Local amenities and services

  • Where are the nearest doctor’s surgery and supermarket?

• School catchment area?

  • How many schools are nearby?

  • What is their entrance criteria?

 

What type of property would you like?

Now that you have decided on your ideal location, you now need to get researching local properties. Know the market well!

 

Register for property alerts in your area, with local estate agents and larger property portals and arrange to view lots of properties that are up for sale.

 

Again consider drawing up a checklist

 

• Parking

  • How much space is there to park.

  • Is it permit parking?

  • Does the parking look busy?

• Style of house

• Number of bedrooms

• Property location

  • Is the property located near any main roads?

  • Will there be any noise disturbances or disruptive traffic?

  • Are there any nearby trees or buildings which will block sunlight?

 

Found your perfect home?

You are now ready to make an offer! Don’t be afraid to offer below the asking price. - Legally, estate agents are obliged to present all offers to the seller.  This is when you start negotiating.

 

Offer accepted?

When your offer is accepted we will finalise your mortgage! Having submitting all supporting documents, we will liaise with your lender to arrange a valuation on the property to make sure it’s worth what you’re paying. Once they’re happy, a mortgage offer will be issued.  You should consider if a mortgage valuation is sufficient or if you would prefer to arrange for a more detailed report such as a Home Buyers report or structural report - your mortgage advisor will discuss these options with you and the associated costs for the differing types of mortgage valuation report*.

 

The legal side

A solicitor will need to complete all the legal work, known as conveyancing.  We will advise you which solicitor should be used.  It's worth talking to us first before instructing the wrong solicitor.  It's also worth noting that some lenders offer a free conveyancing service, although these services may not be the fastest.  When you’ve found a solicitor or conveyancer we can work with them to start the formal proceedings and take care of the legal transfer of the property.

 

*Surveying your prospective property

A more detailed survey can reveal a potential problem and you should employ a tradesman or builder to quote how much it will cost to fix it.

 

Use this information to lower your offer.

 

Exchanging contracts

Your solicitor will confirm to you that they are now in a position to exchange contracts - this marks the final stages of the house buying process and means that when contracts have been exchanged that you are legally bound to buy your new home.

 

Completion

Your solicitor will provide you with a completion statement. This details everything you need to pay, as well as remaining fees and stamp duty costs.

 

You will be asked to sign the transfer deed for the property and your conveyancer will send over the money to buy,

 

Congratulations - you’ve officially completed your purchase and you will be instructed to collect your keys - normally from the estate agent.

 

 

Moving Home Checklist

Alongside the mortgage application process, you should also consider how to prepare for moving home.  Here is a list of things to consider during the weeks beforehand:-

 

One month before...

 

• Get removals quotes and book your chosen firm.

• Research your new area to familiarise yourself with local news and facilities.

• Order packing materials - your removal company might be able to help.

• Check if your insurance policy covers your move. If not, your removals company might be able to provide cover.

• Make a full inventory of your possessions to help you keep track of them during the move.

• Have a clear out! Moving house can be the best time to clear out unwanted possessions because most removal companies charge by the volume.

• Book the time off work.

• Order any furnishings you need for your new home.

• Start to clear out the loft, shed and any other storage spaces.
   

Two weeks before…

 

• Inform utility companies about your move.

• Complete the Post Office mail redirection form.

• Start packing non-essential items, such as decorations.

• Book people to carry out any other services you need, cleaners for instance.

• Organise someone to look after any pets and childcare on the day.
   

1 week before…

 

• Put any essential items such as passports and insurance documents in a safe place.

• Make sure you know where they are at all times when you are packing up your house.

• Tell your local council and ask for a statement on your council tax.

• Send out an email or cards to inform your friends and family about your change of address.

• Prepare a box of moving day essentials.

• Try to do as much of your packing as you can. Leaving it until the last minute could make your move a lot more hectic.

• Transfer into pots any plants you will be taking.

• Return any borrowed items.

• Find out when you need to collect keys from your estate agent.
   

The night before…

• Make sure you are fully packed and have carried out a final check of your property.

• Pack a night bag for your first night in your new home, so you don’t have to rummage through boxes looking for your toothbrush after a busy moving day.

• Ensure your mobile is fully charged.

• Pack together a kit of some key tools. Include a sharp knife to open boxes.
   

The big day…

 

• Record utility readings for water, electricity and gas.

• Strip the beds. Pack your bedding and any curtains you are taking with you.

• Lay down sheets to protect the floors.

• Label your boxes with what they contain and where they should go in your new home.

• One person should stay to check that the movers have packed your items correctly.

• Make sure the movers know where they are going! Printing out a route on Google Maps can be a good idea.

• One of you should aim to get to the property before the movers arrive to guide them in and show them where to put boxes.

• Check for any items damaged during the move before the movers leave.

• Ensure that the previous owners haven’t left anything.

• Check all keys work in the required locks.

• Plug in your electric appliances.

• Connect the dishwasher.

• Most importantly, don’t rush. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and your new house won’t be fully sorted for some time. Leaving the unpacking for tomorrow and unwinding during your first evening can be a worthwhile choice.

 

When you’re settling in…

 

• Pay your stamp duty (this will normally be done by your solicitor on the day of completion).

• Take meter readings from the new property and contact utility companies.

• Get to know your neighbours and local area.

 

Who do you to tell Checklist

 

• Redirect your mail

• Current account

• Credit cards

• Savings accounts

• Pension

• Home insurance

• Car insurance

• Life insurance

• Travel insurance

• Other insurance

• Hire purchase providers

• Student Loans Company

• Loyalty cards

• Share register

• Premium bonds

 

Tell your utility companies

 

• Water

• Gas

• Electricity

• Landline

• TV Licence

• Digital TV

• Broadband

• Mobile phone

 

Government

 

• HMRC/Inland Revenue

• Local council

• Electoral register

• Child benefit

 

Motoring checklist

 

• DVLA

• Vehicle registration

• Breakdown cover

• Car finance (if applicable)

 

Health

 

• Doctor

• Dentist

• Optician

• Vet (don't forget to update any microchip details)

 

Entertainment

 

• Film/TV rental

• Gym/sports clubs

• Newsagent

• Magazine subscriptions

 

Miscellaneous

 

• Library

• Solicitor

• Trade unions/professional bodies

• Schools

• College/universities

• Milkman

• Cleaner

• Window cleaner

• Gardener

• Charities you support